“Wandering Freaks”

Alt title: The Calm Before the Gate

Scene 1: Ahjin Guild HQ – Rooftop Lounge

Thomas Andre leaned back on a reinforced bench that looked far too fragile for someone of his size. But somehow, it held.

Next to him stood Laura, his assistant in black — posture straight, tablet in hand, the very image of composure. Not far from them, the German S-Rank Hunter, pacing restlessly across the rooftop, had been muttering for the last thirty minutes.

"He said he'd be here by noon," the German snapped. "It's been almost three hours."

Thomas didn't respond.

"He's avoiding us," the man went on. "Or asleep. Or both. You know what these solo types are like—"

Thomas raised one hand.

The German stopped talking instantly.

Laura spoke instead. "I've confirmed he's still in the building. It's likely he's either finishing a report or recovering."

Thomas shrugged. "Let him take his time."

Just then, the door slid open and Yoo Jinho half-jogged onto the rooftop, bowing, sweating, and holding a tray with three different drinks.

"S-Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Andre!" he stammered. "Mr. Sung is—uh—he'll be up shortly! I-I mean soon!"

Thomas raised an eyebrow.

Jinho placed the tray on the table in front of him.

"I got protein shakes, green tea, and Americano. I wasn't sure—"

"I'll take the Americano," Thomas said, calmly.

Jinho laughed nervously and stood awkwardly behind the bench like a butler who'd walked into a dragon's den.

The German hunter folded his arms. "I still say we should've just gone to him directly."

Thomas sipped the coffee and smiled behind his sunglasses.

"He's worth waiting for."

Scene 2: Streets of Seoul – 30 Minutes Earlier

"Doesn't matter what country we're in," Deadpool said, dodging a selfie stick, "I still attract weirdos."

"You are the weirdo," Wolverine muttered beside him, clawed hands shoved into the pockets of a half-zipped hoodie that didn't hide the fact that he was covered in old blood.

They strolled through a busy Seoul shopping district. Pedestrians stared. Some whispered. A few took pictures.

One little kid pointed, wide-eyed. "Mom, it's the red ninja and his monster friend!"

Wolverine stopped walking.

Deadpool laughed so hard he nearly dropped his corndog.

"Monster friend! Bro, you've been sidekicked by a six-year-old!"

Logan shot him a look sharp enough to cut glass.

"Don't."

"Too late," Deadpool said, still grinning. "It's canon now. You're officially my morally gray, cigar-smoking Digimon evolution."

Wolverine growled.

"Keep talking, Wade. See what happens."